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In the contemporary socio-economic context, social development faces complex challenges arising from inequality, governance deficits, limited access to social services, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations. While economic growth remains a priority, its benefits are often unevenly distributed, resulting in persistent disparities based on gender, age, geography, disability, and socio-economic status.
Equity, social justice, and accountability have become central principles for transforming social development towards inclusive and sustainable outcomes. Effective social development requires not only equitable access to welfare and social protection systems but also transparent governance, participatory decision-making, and strong institutional accountability. Without these elements, social development interventions risk reinforcing existing inequalities rather than addressing their root causes.
This International Conference, “Transforming Social Development through Equity, Justice, and Accountability,” seeks to provide a scholarly and policy-oriented platform to critically examine these challenges and explore transformative approaches grounded in human rights, social justice, and inclusive governance.
Purpose of the Conference
The primary purpose of the conference is to foster critical academic discourse, promote policy dialogue, and facilitate knowledge exchange on inclusive and accountable social development. It seeks to strengthen the role of social work, social policy, and community development in addressing structural inequalities and promoting equitable social outcomes.
Objectives of the Conference
- Promote international scholarly dialogue on equity-driven social development frameworks.
- Examine social justice and human rights perspectives in protecting vulnerable and marginalized communities.
- Explore mechanisms for accountable governance and transparency in social development policies and institutions.
- Highlight the importance of community participation and empowerment in development decision-making processes.
- Identify strategies to reduce structural inequalities affecting gender, youth, and marginalized social groups.
Main Theme
"Transforming Social Development through Equity, Justice, and Accountability"
Sub-Themes
- Equitable Service Access
- Social Justice & Rights
- Accountable Governance
- Community Empowerment
- Reducing Inequalities
- Mental Health
- Disaster Management
Keynote Speaker
Prof. Asok Kumar Shankar
Professor
Department of Social Work,
Visva-Bharati University
West Bengal, India
BSW(Hons)(Visva-Bharati (Santiniketan));
M.A. in Social Work (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai),
M.Phil (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)
Ph.D. (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi)
| Abstract submission close | : | 30th of June 2026 |
| Confirmation of the Abstract | : | 30th of July 2026 |
| Full Paper Submission | : | 1st of August 2026 |
| Registration | : | on or Before 12th of October 2026 |
| Conference Date | : | 12th of November 2026 |
Abstract Submission Guidelines
- Title: Maximum 20 words
- Abstract Length: 250–300 words
- Structure: Introduction, Research Problem, Objectives, Methodology, Results and Discussion, Conclusion
- Language: English, Sinhala, Tamil
- Font: Times New Roman (Eng.), Iskoola Potha Unicode (Sin), Latha Unicode (Tamil) Size 12
- Line Spacing: 1.15
- Page Size: A4, 1-inch margins
Full Paper Guidelines
- Word Limit: 4,000–6,000 words (including references)
- Referencing Style: APA (7th edition)
- Originality: Papers must not be under review elsewhere
You can present your paper online or physical (hybrid)
Submit your abstract
icosd@nisd.ac.lk
Registration Fees
Presenter
| International Presenter | : | USD 100.00 |
| SAARC Presenter | : | USD 50.00 |
| Local Presenter | : | Rs. 3000.00 |
| Students Presenter | : | Rs. 2000.00 |
Participant
| International Participant | : | USD 50.00 |
| SAARC Participant | : | USD 30.00 |
| Local Participant | : | Rs. 2000.00 |
| Students Participant | : | Rs. 1000.00 |
Conference Advisor
Senior Prof. Premakumara de Silva (PhD, Edinburgh)
Director General
National Institute of Social Development